Nanaimo Seniors Task Force

NANAIMO SENIORS TASK FORCE (NSTF)

The Nanaimo Seniors Task Force (NSTF) is a dedicated group of professionals from various backgrounds who are shining a lens on issues that affect the health and well-being of seniors in our community. Their goal is to continue the work of the Seniors Connect project to reduce social isolation of older adults in our community at the population level and to help Nanaimo achieve and maintain an “Age-Friendly City” designation by working with the municipality and other stakeholders. The group meets monthly at the Nanaimo Family Life Association.

There are currently two vacancies on the committee and we are looking for individuals 55+ who are passionate about seniors and who would like to be a part of the initiative to make Nanaimo more age-friendly. If you would like to learn more about the NSTF, please contact Jane Vinet at 250-754-3331 or email the Chair, Dale Harvey

Members:

Jerry Des Groseillers

Born in Montreal in 1954 and attended McGill University: BA, MBA. A Controller for 15 years for Ryder Truck in Montreal, Vancouver, Miami and Ottawa. Owned two retail stores while living in Burlington, Ontario, for 19 years. A past president of a Toastmasters and a Rotary Club. Currently living in Nanaimo since 2016 with spouse, Diana, and is a volunteer Senior Peer Counsellor for NFLA and has volunteered at the Seniors’ Connect.

Kenn Hample

Born and raised in Edmonton, Kenn attended the University of Alberta, graduating with a degree in civil engineering. He also obtained a diploma in public administration from the University of Western Ontario. Kenn’s career as a Municipal Engineer (public and private) lead him to work in cities in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia finishing up as a self-proclaimed policy “wonk” in the Alberta Government’s Occupational Health and Safety program. Retiring in 2015 but not one to sit idle, Kenn worked as a part-time OHS consultant and was appointed to the City of Edmonton’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. It was at this time that Kenn expanded his passion for wine by working as a sales consultant and an educator. He also discovered a second passion – advocating for improved health services for seniors. As Chair/President of the Edmonton Chapter of CARP (formerly known as the Canadian Association of Retired Persons) Kenn sat on a Seniors’ Task Force formed under the auspices of Public Interest Alberta; eventually serving as Chair of that body.

Moving to Nanaimo in July 2018, Kenn was appointed to the City of Nanaimo’s Board of Variance in December of that year.

Dale Harvey: Chair

Dale is a self-employed Financial Advisor with Compass Point Financial with over 30 years of experience. His volunteer experience includes Junior Achievement of N.S., Scouts Canada, High School Wrestling Coach, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Nanaimo Lions Club, Canadian Blood Services, NFLA Seniors Connect Advisory Committee and Runners of Compassion Nanaimo.

Leona Kyrytow

Leona is a newly retired teacher of 39 years. Her career spanned all levels of education and gave her a myriad of experiences from which to draw for her participation on the Task Force. She is an avid ballroom and square dancer, loves to read, runs, and spends a lot of time with her Sheltie of 14 years, Henry. She is a new Weightwatchers’ leader, and loves retirement! As a new member of the ‘senior’ group, she has an interest in improving life for all who are faced with challenging circumstances as they reach and adapt to their senior years. She wishes to effect change in the lives of those who need advocates!

Tracey Leslie

Tracey’s passion has been working with older adults in the capacity of Recreation Therapy within long term care, acute care and community settings in four provinces for almost 30years. Tracey thrives on being able to share her experience/knowledge to advocate for the needs of seniors, help break down barriers such as social isolation and community integration and collaborate with like minds to make a difference in the lives of others. An implant from the East Coast, Tracey enjoys kayaking, pickleball, curling, photography, live music and travel. She is excited to be a part of this task force and the opportunity to enhancing the lives of older adults within her community.

Marjorie Stewart

Marjorie Stewart was born and educated as a history teacher in Scotland. She has lived in the RDN for 50 years. As a homemaker and mother over the years, she found time for her passion, community activism. She was active in the peace, environment and women’s movements. She served on the boards of BC Voice of Women, Vancouver/Richmond Health, Mid Island Health, School District 68, Canadian Council for International Cooperation, Canadian Federation of University Women Nanaimo, Nanaimo Council of Women and was 23 years a leader in Girl Guides of Canada.

She is currently on the boards of Nanaimo Foodshare and Global Village Nanaimo. She writes the monthly column “Food Matters” for the Nanaimo Bulletin and co-hosts talk radio program “Changes” for Radio Malaspina campus community station.